If you are going to really get into planted aquariums you need to research plants and the methods of keeping them healthy. To get show quality planted tanks requires some application of technology.

No you do not need co2 for an average low tech tank........Flourish Excel is an additive that can be used if you see a need for co2, but don't want to commit to a co2 rig..........Light will be the biggest factor in success with plants..........1 watt of light per gallon would be the minimum and 2 or 3 watts would be even better......There are many brands of aquarium plant fertilizers available.......................There is a Plant Topic at the top of the forum page....check it out.

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